Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: ABERRANCE [SXSW 2023 - Austin, Texas]

The aspect of cabins deep in the woods always present a projection of people wanting to escape. Depending on geography and societal norms, the intention can waver back and forth. With "Aberrance" [Midnighters/North American Premiere] (which is set in Mongolia), the idea of a young wife under the thumb of her older husband creates a context of perspective. Selenge seems to be subjugated by her husband Erkhmee but the abuse comes in different aspect of perspective, especially in how she is seen by her neighbor, who first seems concerned before the idea of what might be until his psychosis sinks in. But the angle changes too rapidly to give context. The actual claustrophobia of the space in the cabin and outside speaks to a skewed perspective of who is trapping who but it shifts at times without adequate reason.

When other friends show up to see the couple and their new house (which is part of the angle of perspective -- but not really explained), the response from both the husband and wife is disjointed. The camera work (director Baatar Batsukh is also a cinematographer) shows a unique and yet fluid visual language. The issue is that the film loses its way about half way through in not being succinctly (or remotely clear) whose perspective we should be seeing. There is a larger context that points to conspiracy in a way but its reasoning and need for being is left almost to the ether, in exchange for a more bloody finish. While the turning point is energetic, it is abrupt so it doesn't connect or feel empathetic to the fear. At one point Selenge seems to take a turn but the focus is not consistent. "Aberrance" comes off with some flavor and style but doesn't hit the mark as it could have. C

By Tim Wassberg